Iloilo city: The city government has initiated the distribution of the second round of fuel assistance to 1,049 public utility jeepney (PUJ) units in an effort to support drivers amid fluctuating fuel prices due to the Middle Eastern crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance is being provided in the form of fuel coupons that can be redeemed at specific gasoline stations across the city. The program is structured to offer PHP1,500 to 877 PUJs operating under the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), while 172 unconsolidated units are set to receive PHP1,000 each.

Councilor Miguel Tre±as highlighted that this second tranche was released as a response to the escalating fuel costs. "We will try to release more next month. This PHP1,500 can help, even if it's good only for a one-day trip," he stated during the distribution process.

Among the recipients was Eugene Jimenea, a veteran PUJ driver from Barangay San Jose in Molo District. Jimenea, who spends approximately PHP1,200 daily on fuel for six round trips, expressed that the subsidy would enable him to allocate part of his fuel budget towards other household expenses.

Other drivers, including I±igo Francisco of Lapuz Norte in Lapuz District and Joenel Dumaguin of Tabuc Suba in Jaro District, also expressed their appreciation, acknowledging that the aid would alleviate their operational costs.

The beneficiaries are scheduled to claim their fuel at their designated gasoline stations on August 8 and 9. Since the inception of the localized fuel assistance program in March, the city government has distributed PHP5.62 million in subsidies to roughly 3,594 public utility vehicles.